With the Motoman PL series, Yaskawa presents the current generation of high-performance palletizing robots. These all-rounders are used for automatic palletizing and depalletizing – besides classic final packaging, also increasingly in distribution logistics.

The core characteristics of the Motoman PL series of palletizing robots include a large working range, optimum use of space and, above all, high throughput and short cycle times. With these characteristics, Yaskawa strives to assume industry leadership. The new series comprises six models in the payload range between 80kg and 800kg – thus covering a very wide spectrum of high-performance palletizing tasks.

Additionally, newly tuned kinematics and the latest generation of Sigma7 drive technology further improve stability, payload, and cycle times. Due to their compact design and small footprint, Motoman palletizing robots ensure optimum use of space for the setup of compact palletizing cells. Media cable packages for grippers can be connected – protected and collision-free – through the robot base and inside the arm through all axes and the hollow wrist. The hollow shaft is optimally dimensioned.

Control, Planning Tools and Programming

All robots of the Motoman PL series work together with the compact, high-performance controller YRC1000. This controller features a wide range of functions for path planning and communication. Also, it synchronizes the movements of function grippers or tracks. The ideal combination is with the optional functional safety unit (FSU) for safeguarding and minimizing compact workspaces.

The unique MotoLogix interface enables PLC system programmers to program robots in their customary IEC61131-conformant PLC programming environment. A special robot programmer is no longer necessary and integration into the PLC controller is greatly simplified.

The MotoSimVRC simulation software permits easy design, planning and simulation of palletizing cells. With a self-explanatory user interface, Yaskawa’s optional PalletSolver palletizing software simplifies the programming of pick-up and depositing patterns, as well as layer patterns. This feature offers numerous application-specific features such as mixed palletizing or multi-grippers.